Obit: George A. Boulanger ... leaves relatives in Milton

NORTH BEND, Wash. - George A. Boulanger died at his North Bend, Wash., home on Friday, July 5, 2013 from complications of an extremely rare blood disorder.

George was born on Feb. 22, 1951, in Rochester, N.H. He was #6 of the 15 children born to Ernest and Rita Boulanger. George grew up on the family's large dairy farm in Dover, N.H. Several months after graduating from Dover High School, George joined the Peace Corps and served in Nepal where he taught methane gas production at the University of Tribubhan in Kathmandu. His efforts so impressed the monarchy that he was invited to the coronation ceremony for the king and queen; he was one of only a few outsiders invited to this special ceremony.

Following the Peace Corps, George returned to New Hampshire and the carpentry trade taught to him by his father. He worked for several contractors before going out on his own to build, remodel and restore houses in New Hampshire. During his restoration work, he discovered and learned old building techniques and styles. To add to his construction knowledge, George collected antique and modern construction books which he studied to learn as much as he could about that trade.

Following a job offer, George moved to Washington State in the mid-1970s. He eventually started his own successful construction company which specialized in framing large, hi-end custom homes in the Seattle area.

Survivors include his wife, Joanne, whom he married in 1987, and 11 brothers and sisters:

Paul (Carmen) of Snoqualmie, Wash.; Andy (Helen) of Sanbornville, N.H.; Luci Hill (Sam) of Rochester; Roland of Seattle, Wash.: Martin (Joyce) of Woodinville, Wash.; Albert (Kathy) of North Bend, Wash.; Bill (Katie) of Somersworth, N.H.; Marie (Dan) of Berwick, Maine; Janet (Rick) of Charlotte, N.C.; Claire (Don) of Hampton, N.H.; and Irene Boulanger of Milton, N.H. As in any large family, there are many nieces and nephews and their children. Extended family includes many cousins from the Goulet and Boulanger sides of the family.

George will be remembered for his energy, can-do spirit and positive attitude. 

At his request, there will be no funeral. The family will hold private memorial services, one in New Hampshire and one in Washington. A celebration of life will be Sept. 7 at the Old Farm.

Please donate blood at your local blood bank in his memory. 

Arrangements are under the care of Flintoft's Funeral Home, Issaquah.